Antifungal drugs are critical for treating a wide range of fungal infections, which can be serious, especially in immunocompromised patients. However, the development of antifungal resistance has become a growing concern, complicating the management of infections caused by fungi such as Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus. Advances in antifungal drug development focus on discovering novel drug classes, mechanisms of action, and combination therapies to overcome resistance. This session will explore the latest innovations in antifungal therapies, strategies to combat drug resistance, and the future of antifungal treatment.
Fungal infections, while often overlooked in the broader scope of infectious diseases, are a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, the rise of antifungal resistance has become a serious challenge, making infections harder to treat, especially in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer, or those undergoing organ transplants.
This session will delve into the advances in antifungal drug development, focusing on novel drug classes, mechanisms of action, and novel therapeutic targets. We will also address the emerging issue of antifungal resistance, exploring the mechanisms by which fungi develop resistance to existing drugs and the implications for clinical practice. The session will cover both systemic and superficial fungal infections and emphasize the need for combination therapies, early detection, and personalized treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.
Key topics to be covered in this session include:
- Mechanisms of antifungal resistance: Understanding how fungi become resistant to azoles, echinocandins, and other antifungal agents
- Novel antifungal drug development: Emerging drug classes and targets for resistant fungal infections
- Drug repurposing and combination therapies in the fight against resistant fungal pathogens
- Molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, and other important pathogens
- Advances in diagnostics for detecting antifungal resistance and improving clinical decision-making
- The role of host immune response in overcoming fungal infections and the impact of immunotherapy on antifungal treatments
- Clinical management strategies for resistant fungal infections, including long-term treatments and prophylaxis
- Global surveillance of fungal resistance patterns and its impact on public health
- The future of antifungal vaccine development and its potential in preventing fungal infections
- Personalized medicine in antifungal therapy: Tailoring treatment based on patient-specific factors and fungal susceptibility
This session will provide a comprehensive look at the advances and challenges in the antifungal drug development landscape, as well as strategies to manage drug resistance in a rapidly changing field.